Skip to content
← All pathways

Pathway · Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship & On-the-Job Experience

Work under the supervision of certificated mechanics and document your practical experience. With enough documented time, an FAA inspector can authorize you to take the tests.

Best for: People who need to earn while they learn, or who already work around aircraft (line service, parts, ramp).

Typical time

18 months for Airframe or Powerplant; 30 months for both (A&P)

Typical cost

Low: mainly tools, study materials, and testing fees (~$2,000–$6,000)

Earn while learning?

Yes. You're employed throughout.

What to do next

This week

  • Search apprenticeship listings and local repair stations for helper or apprentice roles.
  • Start a simple experience log (date, aircraft, task, supervisor). Our Mapper categories are a good template.

This month

  • Ask a supervisor what documentation your local FSDO typically expects, and how they write experience letters.
  • Price out a basic tool set and ask whether the employer helps.

Typical timeline

  1. Land an entry role

    1–3 months

    Helper, apprentice, or line service at a repair station, FBO, or airline.

  2. Build documented experience

    18 or 30 months

    18 months for one rating, 30 months doing both airframe and powerplant work.

  3. FSDO review

    Weeks

    An FAA inspector reviews your records and, if satisfied, signs Form 8610-2.

  4. Study & test

    2–6 months

    Knowledge tests, then oral & practical. All tests must be passed within 24 months.

Cost ranges

ItemTypical range
Tools (built up over time)

Many shops provide specialty tools.

$1,000–$4,000
Test prep (books, apps, course)

A short prep course is optional but popular.

$100–$1,500
Knowledge tests (3)

Paid to the testing center. Check current fees.

~$175–$250 each
Oral & practical (examiner fee)

Some employers reimburse.

$1,000–$3,000+

Step by step

  1. 1

    Get a job working on aircraft

    Repair stations, airlines, regional carriers, FBOs, and general aviation shops. Registered apprenticeship programs formalize training.

  2. 2

    Document everything

    Log tasks, aircraft, dates, and the certificated mechanic who supervised you. Collect signed employer letters as you go, not years later.

  3. 3

    Get FSDO approval (Form 8610-2)

    An FAA inspector reviews your documented experience. Approval authorizes you to take the tests.

  4. 4

    Study and test

    Self-study or a prep course for the knowledge tests, then oral & practical with a DME.

Upsides

  • ✅ Earn while you learn
  • ✅ Little to no debt
  • ✅ Real-world experience employers value

Trade-offs

  • ⚖️ Takes discipline to document experience
  • ⚖️ Longer for full A&P
  • ⚖️ Less structured knowledge training

Official sources

ArcPath is for orientation only. It does not decide eligibility. Only the FAA can authorize you to test or issue a mechanic certificate. Content last reviewed 2026-10-16. Questions? See the FAQ.

Compare other paths

🎓 School🎖️ Military